Don’t Play Down gambling harm: message to community

Released 30/10/2017

This Gambling Harm Awareness Week carries an important message for the community, that is ‘Don’t Play it Down’ when it comes to recognising and supporting those at risk of gambling harm, Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said today.

ACT Gambling Harm Awareness Week is held from 30 October to 3 November 2017 and provides an opportunity to raise awareness in the community and industry of the negative consequences that can come from gambling, or can be made worse by gambling.

“We know that gambling harm doesn’t just affect a person financially, it also affects the health, wellbeing and relationships of the person gambling, as well as their friends, family, colleagues and community,” Minister Ramsay said.

“It is estimated that 43,000 Canberrans have had a family member who has experienced harm from gambling.

“This is a significant number and collectively – as government, venues, regulators and community – we can work to ensure those experiencing harm know where to go for support; that venues know how to identify those at risk of gambling harm; and that we provide information and support to those experiencing, or know someone experiencing harm.

“The ACT Government has already introduced a number of initiatives to reduce gambling harm including withdrawal limits at EFTPOS terminals and ATMs, reducing the number of gaming machine authorisations to 4000 by 2020, as well as supporting small to medium clubs to diversify their income away from gaming revenue through a tax rebate and a grants program.

“We will continue to work with industry and experts to ensure those that do choose to gamble in the ACT do so in an environment with strong protections against the harms of problem gambling.”

Minister Ramsay was also pleased to launch a venue support kit developed by the Gambling and Racing Commission today.

“The kit will be provided to gambling venues and provide staff with valuable resources to help recognise the indicators of gambling harm,” Minister Ramsay said.

“Patrons of gambling venues will soon see the ‘Don’t Play it Down’ messaging in gambling areas as well as other areas in venues.”